Silva 100 BH Compass ??

[Refueler]

I have Silva 100 BH compass either side of companionway entrance ..... both have bubbles - probably due to not having covers through the summers .....

Online indicates that they cannot be refilled - that they are 'sealed for life' ..... but Silva do say in their installation instructions - that incorrect mounting can lead to 'leaks' ..... to me that indicates that there is access somewhere ... ??

Anyone else have Silva 100 BH compass ? Anyone sorted bubbles in one ?

I also need to sort covers - but the Silva is nearly flush to bulkhead ... unlike the Plastimos etc. Thinking to try 3D printing again but this time just a curved shallow cup form to cover the bowl ... with velcro ?

I see online covers for about 40 quid ... mmmmm

 

[Refueler]

No-one ??

 

[DanTribe]

I had two incidents with Silva compasses years ago with tactical compasses on my kid's racing dinghies. Both failed in a short period when the adhesive holding the globe failed and the major parts went overboard.
Silva denied liability because I couldn't produce the broken bits and "our products don't just fail, so you must have mistreated them". So it seems that their guarantees are worthless.
I've never bought any of their products since.

 

[Refueler]

I'm undecided what to do ... if I replace ... a different brand such as Plastimo will not fit the hole in bulkhead ... if I buy same as what is in there now - will it follow same path and bubble ?

I think the near flush fitting of the Silva is part of the issue ... it makes it hard to put a cover to protect from the sun etc. When you see the solutions - they need to use one of the mounting bolts and they are not removable like Plastimo etc.
Checking online - it appears that Silva don't even bother to give a cover when you buy new !

 

[fredrussell]

I’ve always had a liking for Plastimo stuff. Their prices seem not as outrageous as many brands and the gear is good. There’s usually a few Plastimo compasses on eBay from the boat breakers, worth looking on there?

 

[Refueler]

I must admit that the 100 contest I have on my other boat is good ... and comes complete with cover !!

But the mounting hole is different size etc ... I need to wait better weather and measure the two (Plastimo on the 25 and Silva on the 38). At present the 38 is completely snowed in .. covered knee deep.
It was -23C this morning at 10am .... they reckon may warm up during day to about -10C ...